Stomach swelling in pregnancy: what to know

Stomach swelling in pregnancy can reflect the growing uterus, gas or constipation, but sudden swelling with other symptoms needs prompt maternity advice. The feeling may change as pregnancy progresses and digestion slows. Pay attention to whether swelling is gradual or sudden, painful or painless, and whether it affects the hands, face or legs as well.

The uterus takes up more room as the pregnancy grows, while hormonal changes can relax the bowel and contribute to gas or constipation. Mild fullness after meals may therefore be digestive. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs or feeling very unwell can be associated with pre-eclampsia and should be assessed promptly.

Eat slowly, choose manageable portions, drink fluids and include fibre if your maternity team has not advised otherwise. Gentle activity can help bowel movement. Do not start medicines, herbal products or restrictive diets without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Mention persistent swelling at an antenatal visit, especially if it is new, uncomfortable or accompanied by reduced appetite or bowel changes.

Contact your maternity service urgently for sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headache, visual disturbance, pain under the ribs, breathlessness, severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, fluid loss or reduced fetal movement when movements are established. Call emergency services for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding. Do not wait for a routine appointment if these symptoms appear.

Is my swelling consistent with digestion or pregnancy growth? Should my blood pressure and urine be checked? Which bowel medicines are safe for me? What changes in swelling, headache, vision or fetal movement should trigger immediate contact?